Docking A Twin I/O Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Docking a boat can be a stressful task, especially with an audience of other boaters. However, docking a twin I/O boat is considered easier than docking a single-engine boat. This is because twin I/O boats have two engines, which allow the driver to pivot the boat more effectively. When docking a twin I/O boat, it is important to remember that the boat will rotate around the propellers. The major benefit of a twin-engine boat is that it can be driven without using the rudders. It is generally recommended to keep the steering wheel centred and let the engines do all the work.

How to Dock a Twin I/O Boat

Prepare for docking by deploying fenders and lines

Preparing for docking is essential to ensure a smooth and safe arrival at the dock. Before approaching the dock, it is important to deploy fenders and dock lines, also known as mooring lines, to protect your boat and secure it to the dock.

Fenders, often referred to as "bumpers," are protective cushions placed between your boat and the dock to prevent damage during docking. They absorb impact and prevent potential harm to the hull. Vinyl fenders are a common choice for small boats, while foam fenders are suitable for larger vessels or tight docking spaces. Inflatable fenders are ideal for long-distance travellers due to their compactness and ease of storage.

When deploying fenders, consider the height at which you hang them. For floating docks, tying fenders just above the waterline is usually recommended. It is generally advised to have two to four fenders per side, depending on the length of your boat.

Dock lines are used to secure your boat to the dock. They include bow lines, stern lines, spring lines, and breast lines. When tying a line to a fender, a bowline knot is a strong and reliable choice. For tying the fender line to your boat, consider using a clove hitch, which allows for last-minute adjustments. Remember to never use any body part to stop or slow down the boat's momentum; always rely on your dock lines and fenders.

By preparing and strategically placing your fenders and dock lines, you can approach the dock with confidence, ensuring a safe and successful docking experience.

Check for wind and current

Docking a twin I/O boat can be challenging, especially when dealing with wind and current conditions. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you master the art of docking in such situations:

• Always be mindful of the wind and current conditions before initiating the docking procedure. Understanding their impact on your boat is crucial. Higher-profile boats are more susceptible to wind, while deeper-draft boats experience greater current forces.
• Assess the wind direction and intensity. Is it blowing towards or away from the dock? Adjust your approach angle and power accordingly. A wind blowing away from the dock may require a steeper approach angle and more power. Conversely, a wind blowing towards the dock calls for a more gradual approach and a hover before slipping into the dock.
• Consider the current's strength and direction in relation to the dock. If possible, try to dock into the wind and current, as this provides more directional control at slower speeds.
• Practice makes perfect. Find a safe, secluded spot away from other boats and boaters to familiarize yourself with how your boat handles in various wind and current conditions. This will help you understand the forces acting on your vessel and how to counteract them effectively.
• When dealing with a strong current, ensure your crew is well-prepared and informed about their tasks. Communicate your expectations clearly before reaching the dock to avoid distractions during the critical docking phase.

Remember, docking a twin I/O boat in windy and current conditions requires a good understanding of your boat's behavior, as well as practice and experience. Always prioritize safety, and don't hesitate to abort and retry the docking maneuver if needed.

Trim your engines up slightly

Trimming your engines is an essential part of docking a twin I/O boat. It is a process that experienced boaters perform almost automatically, making tiny adjustments as they move through the water. Trimming the engine can improve a boat's overall performance, allowing you to optimise speed, comfort, and fuel efficiency.

Trimming your engines up slightly is an important step when docking a twin I/O boat. This can be done using the tilt-trim switch at the throttle. By trimming up, you adjust the trim angle to slightly raise the bow of the boat. This is known as positive trim. The forward top of the engine is tilted towards the boat, lifting the propeller higher in the water and further away from the stern. As a result, a downward force is created, pushing the stern down and tilting the bow upwards.

Trimming up offers several advantages. Firstly, it reduces water drag by pushing more of the boat out of the water. This, in turn, increases speed and efficiency. Secondly, trimming up can be useful when navigating through shallow waters. By trimming the engine up, you can ensure that the boat floats in as little water as possible. However, it is crucial to make sure that the propeller is still underwater to pick up water for cooling purposes.

While trimming up is beneficial in certain situations, it is important not to over-trim the engine. Over-trimming, or trimming too far up, can lead to a phenomenon known as "porpoising," where the bow of the boat bobs up and down. Additionally, excessive trimming can cause the propeller to break the water surface, resulting in reduced fuel efficiency and speed. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the trim angle and make adjustments as needed to maintain optimal performance.

Stop and centre your steering wheel when approaching the slip

Approaching the slip at a 90-degree angle, bring the boat to a stop when its middle is aligned with the middle of the slip. Centring the steering wheel at this point is crucial for maintaining control as you dock the boat.

Centring the steering wheel means positioning it so that the boat moves in a straight line. This is known as finding "top dead centre". When the boat is moving straight, the drives or rudders are also straight, compensating for factors such as torque, prop walk, skeg, and rudder size.

Finding "top dead centre" can be done by setting the boat in open water on a calm day and adjusting the wheel until the boat moves straight. Mark this spot with a piece of tape. When docking, place your hand on the marked spot and never remove it, so that you always know where to return to for steering the boat straight.

Additionally, when it is windy, turn the wheel slightly towards the wind to counteract its force and maintain a straight course.

Oppose the engines to get the boat spinning

Opposing the engines to get a twin I/O boat spinning is a technique that can be used to make docking easier. It involves putting one engine into forward and the other into reverse, which will cause the boat to spin in place. This method of turning the boat is more effective than using the steering wheel, especially at idle speeds.

When opposing the engines to spin the boat, it's important to remember that the bow will move in the direction of the throttle shifted into reverse. For example, shifting the starboard throttle into forward and the port throttle into reverse will cause the bow to spin to port.

By using this technique, you can turn the boat 360 degrees within its own length, dock backward, and perform other manoeuvres that would otherwise require additional equipment such as a bow thruster or an IPS drive.

However, it's important to note that this technique may take some practice to master, especially for those who are used to docking with a single engine. It's recommended to practise in an open area away from solid objects until you feel comfortable with the manoeuvre.

Frequently asked questions